21 The Mission
The Mission In how many ways the Father has displayed his love and manifested his goodwill to us! What wondrous proofs he has given of his grace and mercy! But the great proof was the gift of his Son for us, and the mission of his Son to us. The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world; and in pleading for the sanctification and preservation of his disciples, Jesus alludes to this great fact, saying, "As You sent Me into the world — I also have sent them into the world"
1. that the Father would represent the divine nature in Heaven, and invisibly maintain the rights of the eternal throne;
2. that the Son would be sent into the world, visibly to represent the divine nature to man, and maintain the honor of that throne in the matter of man’s salvation;
3. that the Holy Spirit would be sent by the Son, to work secretly and spiritually on all them that are saved. The Sent One, therefore, was the glorious Son of God. The Sender was the glorious Father. Here we see the distinction of the persons in the divine nature. The Sender is not the Sent One, neither is the Sent One the Sender — and yet there is but one God, one divine nature; in which nature is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each distinct from the other — yet all being naturally, essentially, and eternally divine. The Father engaged to send the Son — and the Son condescended to agree to be sent, to carry out the plans and purposes of the everlasting covenant. The sending implies three things:
1. It implies an office. Jesus came to fill the office of a Mediator, and to do all the work necessary thereunto.
2. It implies that he was qualified, for God would not send an unqualified person on such an important work. His qualification arises out of the glorious mystery of his person, as the God-man, comprising a fullness of wisdom and knowledge, of gifts and graces.
3. It implies also a commission; he did not take this honor upon himself — but was called of God, as was Aaron. To him his Father said, when he ordained and commissioned him, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." The PLACE into which he was sent was not the Jewish temple — but the world. He was to be . . .
the one Mediator for the race,
the one atoning sacrifice for sin,
the one High Priest of our profession,
the one Savior of the world.
He therefore pushed down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, and sent his apostles to teach all nations, to preach the gospel to every creature. The DESIGN with which Christ was sent, comprises the whole work of mediation.
He was sent to say just what he did, and all that he did.
He was sent to do just what he did, and all that he did.
He was sent to be just what he was, and what he is.
He delivered the whole message with which he was sent, every word.
He did all he came to accomplish, nor failed in one point.
He became all that was designed by his advent, and is now the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him. The Mission of the Apostles: "As You sent Me into the world — I also have sent them into the world." Jesus was the Father’s ambassador; the apostles were his ambassadors. He was the great Apostle and High Priest of our profession. He was the Angel of the Covenant, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. They were sent as ministers, to preach as he did, to confirm their doctrine as he did, and to suffer for the truth as he did; to suffer for truth, as martyrs — not for sin, as a sacrifice of expiation. They offered up no sacrifice for sin — but proclaimed and published in every direction the one all-glorious and all-sufficient sacrifice which Christ had made when he offered up himself.
They were sent to fill a solemn office; to negotiate with men for God, beseeching them in Christ’s stead to be reconciled to God; to perform a difficult work, being witnesses for Christ, and publishing his gospel to all nations; and to occupy a dangerous position — filling the front rank in the Redeemer’s army.
They needed, therefore, power and protection; and the Holy Spirit furnished them with the power, and the presence of Christ with the latter. They needed deep sanctification and constant preservation; and for these Jesus entreated his Father. Jesus had authority to send them — and he used it. He had power to protect them — and he employed it. He promised them his presence — and he never failed to grant it.
Observe, Preachers are messengers, not mere letter-carriers. They receive their message from Christ, and are sent to proclaim it in his name everywhere, and to everybody. No one has a right to forbid them, for the earth is the Lord’s. They are not required to ask anyone’s permission, or to neglect their work because anyone threatens them. The apostles did not. The apostles would not — but put the silencing question, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey man rather than God — you judge!" They felt that necessity was laid upon them, and therefore confessed, "We cannot but speak the things which we have heard and seen." And Paul afterwards boldly acknowledged, "Necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel."
Preachers should go, preach, and be faithful. Watching the leadings of divine Providence, they should go wherever the finger of Providence points them. They should preach the gospel to every creature to whom they can gain access. They should be faithful to their message — and deliver it plainly, forcibly, and as if feeling its importance in the depths of the soul. They should be faithful to their calling — as set apart for the promulgation and defense of the gospel. They should be faithful to the people — unmoved by the frown of the great, unmoved by the applause of the many.
O Lord, make all your ministers faithful, that they may work up to the highest point of their ability — that they may fearlessly and with all plainness of speech, deliver their message to all whom they can, and persevere in their work until called from it by yourself.
Christians are sent into the world — not into a monastery, or nunnery, or hermitage — but into the world. In the world, they are to . . .
learn out the value, importance, and sanctifying power of the truth;
observe God’s law, walk by the Savior’s precepts, and adorn the holy gospel;
live by faith, believing in the presence of an invisible God, trusting in the atoning work of an absent Savior, and resting on the promises of One, the dispensations of whose providence tries them to the very core;
conquer corruption within them, and strive against sin without them,
overcome all that is opposed to the honor of their beloved Lord. In the world they are to glorify God — this is the one grand business of their lives, and to this they should devote all their ransomed powers.
If Jesus has sent us into the world — then he has a work for us to do for him, and he intends thereby to do good to us; let us therefore be content.
If Jesus has sent us into the world, depend upon it, that it is the best place for us at present; and therefore let us prefer being where Christ would have us to be.
If Christ has sent us into the world, it is with a purpose worthy of himself; let us therefore daily put ourselves afresh into his hands, saying, "Here I am, Lord; do with me as seems good to you."
O Jesus, as you have sent us into the world, and as we are here by your will and appointment — keep, O keep us from the evil of the world, and preserve us unto your eternal kingdom and glory! Help us to speak for you, to act for you, to suffer for you; everywhere, and always, to bring honor to your most holy name.
Holy Spirit, fill us with courage, arm us with zeal, and fire us with love, that as Jesus honored his Father who sent him — so we may honor our beloved Savior who has sent us!
Heavenly Father, be with us in the world, and enable us to overcome the world, so that, when our mission is ended, we may forever rest with you!